Sub: Harassment/victimization of AC staff working in super fast trains.

Ret: JDE (IR) No. E(LR)1/2011/JCM2-1, dated 10.02.2011

An issue has been raised in DC/JCM(Railways), Railway Board Concerning Security Directorate, which is as under :-

“Harassment/victimization of AC staff -

AC staff those who work in super-fast trains have been harassed /victimized by the GRP/RPF. Instructions should be issued from the Railway Board to the railways to stop this inhuman practice.

CSCs are required to ensure that RPF staff do not cause harassment /victimization of AC staff working in super-fast train and also to coordinate with GRP for issue of similar instructions in respect of GRP staff.

Technological Development along with Multi-Skilled Workers will Enhance Overall Productivity, Says Shri Mallikarjun Kharge at the Meeting of Parliamentary Consultative Committee of the Ministry of Labour & Employment

A meeting of the Consultative Committee attached to the Ministry of Labour & Employment was held under the chairmanship of Shri Mallikarjun Kharge, Union Minister of Labour and Employment in New Delhi on Wednesday 29th June 2011. The agenda for discussion was the functioning of the Central Board for Workers Education, Nagpur. The Central Board for Workers Education CBWE which came into existence in 1958 has travelled a long journey of more than 50 years and has at present 6 Zonal Directorates, 50 Regional Directorates and 9 Sub Regional Centres spread across the length & breadth of the Country. The aim of the Board is to create awareness among the workforce of organized, unorganized and rural sectors for their effective participation in the socio-economic development of the nation.

The Minister of Labour and Employment Shri Mallikarjun Kharge speaking at the Parliamentary Consultative Committee Meeting said that Managements have also been benefiting by workers education programmes because changes in the attitude of workers to adapt themselves to modern technology, new work culture and development of constructive attitude, help them in the accomplishment of their goals in the changing scenario.

He said that the CBWE programmes have initiated emphasis on workers participation in management because creation of suitable working environment has become inevitable. The CBWE is promoting the efforts of the Labour Ministry to create an atmosphere wherein workers and Managements feel closer to each other and work in unison for the development of sustainable enterprises. Managements should, therefore, encourage their workers to suggest improvements so that they will realize their responsibility.

Productivity is another area of concern. Labour productivity cannot be improved without excellent use of labour as an input. Cooperation and commitment of workers with sharpened skills enhance the productivity. Technological development along with multi skilled workers will bring the positive result of overall productivity.

In last two decades, HIV/AIDS epidemic has continued to intensify and expand across the world. The age group of 15-49 years is most affected which means active working population is the worst affected. Therefore, creation of knowledge and awareness is highly required to control this disease. Shri Mallikarjun Kharge said that CBWE has become the key partner of the ILO in arresting this menace. One more area of concern is of Child Labour and CBWE is conducting various training programmes for child labourers and for their parents to create awareness in regard to elimination of child labour. The Government of India has launched Mahatma Gandhi National Employment Guarantee Act with a commitment of minimum hundred days’ gainful employment to one person of a family. Started with 100 districts of the country, now it has extended to 619 districts. CBWE has taken up the task of propagating the scheme through awareness training programmes for the rural workers across the whole country. Several welfare schemes announced by Government of India and State Governments for socio economic upliftment of informal sector workers have been taken care of by CBWE through organizing rural awareness camps so that workers may reap the benefits of the schemes.

For the country’s development, gender sensitization and woman empowerment is a must and CBWE is engaged in the movement of awareness generation for equal pay, payment of minimum wages, absence of discrimination, maternity benefits and equal working conditions for woman employees. With implementation of newer legislations and development schemes by United Progressive Alliance UPA Government at the centre for well being of the working class, the role of CBWE is bound to increase for informal and non formal workers education to make workers aware about their rights and duties. Efforts are being made to strengthen the CBWE to play vital role in the socio-economic development of working population and achieve the ultimate goal of National Development.

The Secretary Labour & Employment Shri P. C. Chaturvedi in his concluding remarks drew the attention of the Members to the future thrust areas of CBWE along with its present challenges in the field of Workers Education. The Members of the Parliament from Lok Sabha who attended the meeting included Shri Anandrao Vithoba Adsul, Sh. R. K. Singh Patel, Sh. Gurudas Das Gupta, Sh. Ram Sunder Das, Sh. Danapal Venugopal, Sh. N. Peethambara Kurup, and Sh. Badri Ram and Sh. Mohammed Amin and Sh. Mangla Kisan, MPs from Rajya Sabha.

Members of Parliament offered important suggestions, which included, the syllabi of Training Programmes of CBWE must include the topics like Constitution of India, Fundamental Rights of Workers, Minimum Wages, Equal Remuneration, Right to organize, Trade Union Act, Payment of Wages, ESI Act, EPF Act etc. In all the training programmes of CBWE the workers must be made aware and conscious about their legal rights. The rural and unorganized sector workers should be given a proper Identity Card as Workers, which will help them to find the work and avoid harassment by various agencies mainly in places which are far away from their native places. The awareness programmes of CBWE should be conducted more in numbers mainly in rural areas of U.P., Bihar, Rajasthan etc. as most of the rural and unorganized workers of our country belong to these states. The SC/ST Workers should also be given priority by CBWE as their numbers in organized sector employment is far from satisfactory. The Contractual workers of various industrial sectors are being exploited and they are not getting even their minimum wages and other benefits meant for them. Thus, the contractual workers should also be made aware about their rights and how to be organized and take the benefits of various welfare schemes of Central and State Governments.

1. All India Consumer Price Index Number for Industrial Workers (CPI-IW) on base 2001=100 for the month of May, 2011 increased by 1 point and stood at 187 (one hundred & eighty seven) .

2. During May, 2011, the index recorded increase of 8 points in Ludhiana centre, 6 points in Nasik centre, 5 points each in Giridih, Mundakkayam and Sholapur centres, 4 points in 3 centres, 3 points in 4 centres, 2 points in 14 centres and 1 point in 18 centres. The index decreased by 4 points in Rangapara Tezpur centre, 3 points in Ghaziabad centre, 2 points in Guwahati centre, 1 point in 10 centres, while in the remaining 21 centres the index remained stationary.

3. The maximum increase of 8 points in Ludhiana centre is mainly on account of increase in the prices of Arhar Dal, Masur Dal, Mustard Oil, Vanaspati Ghee, Milk, Chillies Dry, Electricity Charges, Toilet Soap, Washing Soap, etc. The increase of 6 points in Nasik centre is due to increase in the prices of Wheat, Bajra, Chillies Dry, Vegetable & Fruit items, Petrol, etc. The increase of 5 points in Giridih, Mundakkayam and Sholapur centres is due to increase in the prices of Rice, Jowar, Vegetable & Fruit items, Tea (Readymade), Firewood, Soft Coke, Hair Oil, Washing Soap, etc. The decrease of 4 points in Rangapara Tezpur centre is the outcome of decrease in the prices of Wheat Atta, Fish Fresh, Turmeric Powder, Garlic, Vegetable & Fruit items, Pan Leaf, etc. The decrease of 3 points in Ghaziabad centre is due to decrease in the prices of Wheat Atta, Onion, Vegetable & Fruit items, etc. The decrease of 2 points in Guwahati centre is due to decrease in the prices of Wheat Atta, Vegetable & Fruit items, Pan Leaf, etc.

4. The indices in respect of the six major centres are as follows :

1. Ahmedabad

180

2. Bangalore

192

3. Chennai

166

4. Delhi

172

5. Kolkata

181

6. Mumbai

186

5. The All-India (General) point to point rate of inflation for the month of May, 2011 is 8.72% as compared to 9.41% in April, 2011. Inflation based on Food Index is 7.61% in May, 2011 as compared to 8.24% in April, 2011.

6. The CPI-IW for June, 2011 will be released on the last working day of the next month, i.e. 29th July, 2011.

Sub: All Secretariat Select List of Section Officers’ Grade for the year 2003.

The undersigned is directed to refer to this Department’s OM of even number dated 18th February, 2011 on the subject mentioned above and to say that after due receipt of inputs received from cadre units, bringing out the discrepancies, the All Secretariat List of Section Officers’ Grade for the year 2003 has been updated/revised. The representations received from Section Officers working in various Ministries against the draft All Secretariat Select List have also been examined but were not found feasible to agree to their requests. The final updated List may be seen/downloaded from the Website of this Ministry:-

The undersigned is directed to refer to this Department’s OM No.11/1/2011- CS-I dated 29.06.20 11 where in All Secretariat Select List 2003 of Section Officers of CSS was issued. In continuation, the Common Seniority List (CSL) of Section Officers of CSS has now been prepared and CSL Numbers have been given after the last CSL No. in the list of the Section Officers CSL 2002. The final updated list may be seen/downloaded from the website of this Ministry:-

Please refer to Board,s letters of even number dated 11.09.2010 and 24.09.2010 vide which the benefit of Safety Related Retirement Scheme (SRRS) was extended to other safety categories of staff with a grade pay of `.1800/- p.m. The nomenclature of the Scheme was also modified also Liberalized Active Retirement Scheme for Guaranteed Employment for Safety Staff (LARSGESS) with Grade Pay of ` 1800/-

2. Considering the demand of the Employees Federations it has now been decided to expand the scope of LARSGESS by enhancing the existing criteria of grade pay of `.1800/- to `.1900/-. However, the employment under the Scheme would be guaranteed only to those found eligible/suitable and finally selected as per the laid down procedure. The list of Safety categories covered under the Scheme in Grade Pay `.1800/- has already been circulated vide Board’s letter dated 11.09.2010. Same categories in Grade Pay `.1900/- will now be eligible for the scheme.

3. For determining the eligibility for seeking retirement under the Scheme, Grade Pay corresponding to the post against which the employee is working on regular basis, will be taken into account. In other words, the staff working on the post with Grade Pay of `.1900/- will continue to be eligible for seeking retirement under the Scheme even after getting financial upgradation in Grade Pay higher than `.1900/- under MACPS.

4. The eligibility conditions for the safety staff with grade pay of `.1900/- seeking retirement under the scheme would be the same as those for Drivers viz. 33 years of qualifying service and age between 55-57 years. Recruitment of the wards of such employees being in respective category (i.e. in grade pay of `.1900/-) their suitability would be adjudged by an Assessment Committee of 3 SAG officers at Headquarter level as in the case of the wards of Drivers.

5. The eligibility conditions in respect of qualifying service and age group in case of Gangmen and other safety categories in grade pay of `.1800/- would remain 20 years and 50-57 years respectively, and the suitability of their wards would be adjudged by an Assessment Committee of 3 JA Grade officers at Divisional level.

6. It is once again reiterated that the retirement of the employee be considered only if the ward is found suitable in all respects. Retirement of the employee and appointment of the ward should take place simultaneously.

7. The other terms and conditions of the Scheme will remain unchanged.

8. This issues with the concurrence of the Finance Directorate of the Ministry of Railways.

On the basis of feedback received from some of the Ministries/Departments on online APAR Monitoring software developed by NIC, this Department proposes to organize a Training Programme for Nodal Officers on APAR monitoring system for CSS officers. The Ministries/Departments facing any problem with operating the software and requiring training may accordingly confirm nomination of the concerned Nodal Officer who will attend the proposed Training Programme by 6th July, 2011 positively. The Training Programme is likely to be organized in the week beginning 11th July, 2011.

The government is likely to raise returns on small savings schemes such as public provident fund (PPF) over the next two-three months with sharpest rise of up to 70 basis points likely in post office deposits.

Based on present calculations PPF, the most popular scheme, would see interest rate rise by 20 basis points (100 basis points = one percentage point) to 8.2% annually instead of 8% now while senior citizens can hope to get 8.95%

The only scheme which is going be hit would be the five-year Senior Citizen's Savings Scheme (SCSS), where the return is expected to decline by 30 basis points.

A government panel headed by Reserve Bank of India deputy governor Shyamala Gopinath submitted its report to finance minister Pranab Mukherjee . The panel has called for several changes in the structure of small savings schemes and has recommended abolition of Kisan Vikas Patra as well as raising the investment limit in the PPF scheme to Rs 100,000 from the present Rs 70,000.

In case of two other schemes – the Monthly Income Scheme ( MIS ) and the National Savings Certificate (NSC) – the rates would remain the same but their tenure would be cut from six years to five.

The rates would be applicable if the new formula, which is linked to the three-year average rate on comparable government bond, is applicable from July 1.

A senior government official told TOI that in case of schemes such as NSC, the interest rate on offer would be the one applicable in the year of purchase. So, if you invest Rs 1 lakh in NSC now, you would get 8% but it could rise to, say, 8.5% for those purchased in the next financial year.

The interest rate payable on PPF would, however, be fixed at the start of every financial year and the entire corpus would be entitled to the same rate, as is the case with your money lying with the Employees Provident Fund Organisation.

Though the government would take a hit of around Rs 650 crore due to the revamp – which also involves resetting interest rates for state governments that use bulk of the proceeds – the finance ministry is keen to move to the new mechanism at the earliest. "It's more transparent and offers benefits of the rising interest rate environment," said an official.

With most states already on board, the potential risk of derailment is unlikely, the official said. Besides, the government does not expect any political opposition as the returns are rising for almost all schemes.

The official said the panel had consulted all stakeholders and the panel included the finance secretaries of West Bengal and Maharashtra. "The recommendations will be discussed in the government and we can implement it in the next 2-3 months," said the official, who did not wish to be identified. Recommendations of a similar panel had to be forwarded to the National Development Council (NDC) as some states had protested against the proposed changes.

"The present recommendations benefit investors. We are also cutting down on agents' commission. Overall, the recommendations are balanced and links the interest rates to market rates. We don't anticipate any opposition," the official said.

Sub: Transfer of funds to the PF trusts subsequent to grant of exemption u/s 17- reg

Sir,

It has been brought to the notice of the Head Office that, in some case of grant of exemption, funds have not been transferred to the PF trusts, subsequent to the grant of exemption/relaxation, by the Appropriate Authority.

2. It is therefore requested that, the matter may be examined and wherever required, necessary action for transfer of funds to the PF trusts granted relaxation/exemption by the Appropriate Authorities may be initiated immediately. Details of all such cases along with the reasons for non- transfer of funds, also be submitted to Head Office within one week.

3, In this context, Investment section, Head Office vide its circulars dated Invest. 1/1(10)2000/42517 dated 05.09.03 & 26.07.04 (Copy enclosed), has already clarified the procedure for the transfer of funds to the exempted trusts subsequent to grant of exemption.

Subject:- Holidays to be observed in Central Government Offices during the year 2012.

It has been decided that the holidays as specified in the Annexure -I to this O.M. will be observed in all the Administrative Offices of the Central Government located at Dethi/New Delhi during the year 2012. In addition, each employee will also be allowed to avail himself/herself of any two holidays to be chosen by him/her out of the list of Restricted Holidays in Annexure - II.

2. Central Government Administrative Offices located outside Delhi / New Delhi shall observe the following holidays compulsorily in addition to three holidays as per para 3.1 below:

3.1. In addition to the above 14 Compulsory holidays mentioned in para 2, three holidays shall be decided from the list indicated below by the Central Government Employees Welfare Coordination Committee in the State Capitals, if necessary, in consultation with Coordination Committees at other places in the State. The final list applicable uniformly to all Central Government offices within the concerned State shall be notified after seeking prior approval of this Ministry and no change can be carried out thereafter. It is also clarified that no change is permissible in regard to festivals and dates as indicated.

3.2 No substitute holiday should be allowed if any of the festival holidays initiaily declared subsequently happens to fall on a weekly off or any other non- working day or in the event of mere than one festivals falling on the same day.

4. The list of Restricted Holidays appended to this O.M. is meant for Central Government Offices located in Delhi / New Delhi. The Coordination Committees at the State Capitals may draw up separate list of Restricted Holidays keeping in view the occasions of local importance but the 9 occasions left over, after choosing the 3 variable holidays in para 3.1 above, are to be included in the list of restricted holidays.

5.1 For offices in Delhi / New Delhi, any change in the date of holidays in respect of Idu’l Fitr, Idu’l Zuha, Muharram and Id-e-Milad, if necessary, depending upon sighting of the Moon, would be declared by the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions after ascertaining the position from the Govt. of NCT of Delhi.

5.2 For offices outside Delhi / New Delhi, the Central Government Employees Welfare Coordination Committees at the State Capitals are authorised to change the date of holiday, if necessary, based on the decision of the concerned State Governments / Union Territories, in respect of Idul Fitr, Idu’l Zuha, Muharram and Id-e-Milad.

5.3 It may happen that the change of date of the above occasions has to be declared at a very short notice. In such a situation, announcement could be made through T.V. / A.I.R. / Newspapers and the Heads of Department / Offices of the Central Government may take action according to such an announcement without waiting for a formal order, about the change of date.

6. During 2012, Diwali (Deepavali) falls on Tuesday, November 13, 2012 (Kartika 22). In certain States, the practice is to celebrate the occasion a day in advance, i.e., on Narakachaturdasi Day”. In view of this, there is no objection if holiday on account of Deepavali is observed on “Naraka Chaturdasi Day (in place of Deepavali Day) for the Central Government Offices in a State if in that State that day alone is declared as a compulsory holiday for Diwali for the offices of the State Government.

7. Central Government Organisations which include industrial, commercial and trading establishments would observe upto 16 holidays in a year including three national holidays viz. Republic Day, Independence Day and Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday, as compulsory holidays. The remaining holidays / occasions may be determined by such establishments / organisations themselves for the year 2012, subject to para 3.2 above.

8. Union Territory Administrations shall decide the list of holidays in terms of Ministry of Home Affairs letter No.14046/27/83- GP-I dated 15.2.1984 by which they would observe a total of 16 holidays including the three National Holidays Viz. Republic Day, Independence Day & Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday.

9. In respect of Indian Missions abroad, the number of holidays may be notified in accordance with the instructions contained in this Department’s O.M. No.12/5/2002-JCA dated 17th December, 2002. In other words; they will have the option to select 10(Ten) holidays of their own only after including in the list, three National Holidays and Milad-un-Nabi or Id-E-Milad, Buddha Purnima, Idu’l Zuha (Bakrid) and Muharram included in the list of compulsory holidays and falling on days of weekly off.

10. In respect of Banks, the holidays shall be regulated in terms of the extant instructions issued by the Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance.

Subject:- Backlog Training Programme for U.D.Cs/Assistants at ISTM for the period 18/07/2011 to 29/07/2011.

The undersigned is directed to inform that UDCs upgraded to the post of Assistant, whose names are given in Annexure I, have been nominated for the above mentioned Backlog Training Programme. This training is being conducted by ISTM w.e.f. 18-07-2011 to 29-07-2011. It is requested that these officials may be relieved of their duties, subject to vigilance clearance and advised to report to Shri K. K. Pant, Assistant Director(Co-ordinator) ISTM, Administrative Block, JNU Campus (Old), New Delhi-110067 at 9 A.M. on I 8th July, 2011.

2. The performance of the officials in the training will be evaluated and the reports thereof be added in their APARs. No request for withdrawal of nomination either from the Ministry/ Department or the officer concerned shall be entertained by this Department or the Institute. As the training of the officials and successful completion is necessary for regularization/promotion, the Cadre Units are requested to ensure that the officials nominated to the above programme are relieved in time.

3. As the aforesaid training includes study tour, officers nominated above may be advised to draw necessary TA/DA advance of Rs. 12,000/- each from their respective Ministry/Department. This amount may be released in Cash only.

4. Confirmation with regard to the participation of the officials along with their respective bio-data (Annexure-II) may please be sent by 6th July 2011 to Shri K. K. Pant, Assistant Director (Co-ordinator), ISTM, New Delhi, with a copy to the undersigned. Shri K. K.Pant, Assistant Director(Co-ordinator) ISTM is accessible on phone No. 26165593 (O).

Subject:- Restricted Holiday (RH) on the occasion birthday of Shri Guru Gobind Singh to be observed on 31st December, 2011

The birthday of Shri Guru Gobind Singh has been shifted from 5th January 2012 (15 Pausha 1933 SE, Thursday) to 31st December 2011 (10 Pausha 1933 SE Saturday). Modification had been made on the basis of amendments in the critcrion of the festival falling on Lunar tithi - Pausha Sukla Saptami instead of Solar Date of January 5. Accordingly, there will be Restricted Holiday on 3lst December, 2011 on account of birthday of Shri Guru Gobind Singh.

Sh. Kapil Sibal Minster of Communications & Information Technology and Human Resource Development today conferred the Meghdoot Awards here today to the postal employees. Speaking on the occasion Shri Sibal said that skill and capacity of 3.25 lakh Gramin Dak Sewaks will be developed through a comprehensive and time bound Rural Entrepreneurship Programme.This program is being finalized by Department of Posts and Ministry of Human Resource Development together. Congratulating the Awardees, the Minister expressed confidence in the ongoing transformation projects that will help India Post to match the changing technologies and evolving lifestyles and serve their customers better.

Addressing the gathering Shri Gurudas Kamat, Minister of State of Communications & Information Technology and Human Affairs emphasized the importance of role of Post Offices in the implementation of the schemes meant for common man, be it disbursement of wages, pension or Unique Identification Number.

This scheme of National awards known as ‘Meghdoot Awards’ was instituted in the year 1984 to provide encouragement to the postal employees by recognizing performance of high standard. The awards given for outstanding contribution in the sphere of official work were earlier given in six individual categories. In order to motivate the personnel in the field of technology, a new category i.e., “For Technology Excellence” was introduced for the year 2006. For the years 2009 and2010 another category viz. “Best Woman Employee” has since been introduced for the first time. Thus in all eight categories of awards are being conferred in individual category. An award in Group Category comprising trophy was also given for best post office Chandragiri Head Post Office, Andhra Pradesh. Meghdoot awardees in individual category were given a medal, a scroll and cash award of Rs. 11000 (Rupees eleven thousand).

The awards are given every year to the officials selected from amongst the nominations received from various postal circles.

The undersigned is directed to refer to DOP&T O.M. No. 12011/03/2008- Estt(Allowance) dated 02-09-2008 and clarificatory OM No.12011/16/2009- Estt.(AL) dated 13.11.2009 on the Children Education Allowance(CEA) Scheme, this Department has been receiving references from various Departments seeking further clarifications. The doubts raised are clarified as under:-

(i) whether Children Education Allowance would be admissible beyond two children due to failure of sterilization operation.

The reimbursement of Children Education Allowance is admissible only for the first child born after failure of sterilization operation.

(ii) whether the admissible amount per annum per child (annual ceiling of Rs.15000/-) on account of CEA can be reimbursed in full in the first quarter of the financial/academic year itself.

(i) It is clarified that a Government servant is allowed to get 50% of the total amount subject to the over all annual ceiling in the first quarter and the remaining amount in third and or fourth quarter. Frontloading of the entire amount in the first and second quarters is not allowed.

(ii) A Government servant can claim full amount subject to the annual ceiling of Rs.15000/- in the last quarter.

Subject: - Finalization of Common Seniority List (CSL) in the Grade of UDCs of CSCS for the Select List years 1995 to 2005 - reg.

The undersigned is directed to refer to this Department’s O.M. of even number dated 29.04.2010, 09.09.2010, 27.09.2010 and 11.11.2010 on the above subject circulating the Common Seniority List of UDCs for the Select List years 1995 to 2005.

2. Some of the cadre units have forwarded representations which relate to corrections regarding names and date of birth of UDCs and the same have been carried out in the list. On the basis of the information received from cadre units, individuals and also on reverifying the seniority lists of the cadres, the order of placement of some of the officials has been revised. In view of above, the revised seniority list of UDCs for the Select List year 1995 to 2005 are circulated herewith for information. The cadre units are requested to invariably mention the CSL number in future correspondence relating to the seniority List of UDCs for the Select List years 1995 to 2005. Accordingly the Common Seniority List of UDCs for the Select List years 1995 to 2005 may be treated as final . The same may be seen on the website of this Department i.e:

The General Manager (P)
All Indian Railways including
Production Units

Sub:- Surrendering of higher Grade Posts.

*****

In the PNM meeting held between Railway Board and All India Railwaymen’s Federation on 21st & 22nd December, 2010 the issue of surrerndering/creation of higher grade posts, was discussed and it was informed that vide Board’s letter No.E(MPP)/2005/1/54/Vol.III dated 6.3.2007 (RBE No.32/2007) higher grade posts affecting promotional prospects of the staff and safety categories are not to be surrendered. It was also advised in the said letter that Railways should review the strength of all categories of staff critically and rightsize accordingly.

Pursuant to the discussions held in the aforesaid PNM, the matter has been further reviewed and decided that whatever Surrender of higher grade posts has taken place the railways, if felt necessary, may create safety category posts as per extant orders as applicable for creation of new posts.

Please connect Railway Board’s orders as contained in above mentioned letter regarding formation of a three members Committee for giving suggestions to improve the existing procedure, being followed on Zonal Railways and Production Units for recruitment of sportspersons against sports quota, through Talent Scouting.

In this connection it is clarified that after the formation of the said Committee, there is no ban from Railway Board for recruitment of sportspersons against sports quota,through Talent Scouting. Zonal Railways and Production Units may therefore continue with the existing policy and procedure, for recruitment of sportspersons against sports quota, through Talent Scouting.

Subject: Promotion from the grade of Senior Accounts Officer (Group ‘B')to the Junior Time Scale (Group A) of the Indian Defence Accounts Service on adhoc basis.

The Government of India, Ministry of Defence (Finance) have approved promotion of 06 (six only) Senior Accounts Officers serving in the offices/organizations indicated against each in Annexure ‘A’ to this letter to the Junior Time Scale of the Indian Defence Accounts Service (PB3 Rs.15600-39100) (Grade Pay Rs. 5400) on adhoc basis for a period of one year or up to the date of reqular promotion to that grade ,whichever is earlier. The Competent Authority has decided the postings on promotion in the offices/organizations as indicated against their names. The officers, may, therefore, be relieved of their present duties immediately with directions to report for duties in the new office of posting, as indicated in the Annexure ‘A’. On reporting, the officer(s) may be promoted to Junior Time Scale of IDAS on adhoc basis and designated as ACDA/Dy.IFA/ACFA (Fys) etc. whichever is applicable. The promotion shall take effect from 01.07.2011 or from the date of assumption of charge of the new post, whichever is later, provided no disciplinary/criminal case is pending against the officers and they are not under suspension.

2. The officers may also be requested to inform their date of assumption of charge, correspondence address, telephone nos. (official, residential & mobile) and email id on hgadmin1-b@cgdamail.org for updation of the Pink List.

3. The promotion of the officers is purely on an adhoc basis. It neither bestows any claim on the officer(s) for regular promotion to the post nor service rendered in the grade will count for the purpose of seniority in that grade or for promotion to the next higher grade. The pay of the officer granted adhoc promotion will be regulated in terms of FR-22(I)(a)(1) read with FR-35.

4. The relief of the officer shall not be deferred on the ground that a representation has been submitted for change of place of posting or on the ground that reliever has not reported/been posted. It may be brought to the notice of the officer that no representation for change of posting etc. will be entertained in any case as the IDAS carries a definite liability to serve any where in India including field service in or out of India. Controllers may also ensure that representations are not unduly forwarded.

5. TA and joining time as admissible under rules may be authorised to the officers.

6. The date of officers’ relieving/assumption of charge may please be intimated to this HQrs office by fax. The copies of Part II Office Orders notifying the relieving/assumption of charge and fixation of pay in the new grade may be endorsed to this HQrs Office separately.

Saturday, June 25, 2011

SALARIED TAXPAYERS WITH TOTAL INCOME UP TO Rs.5 LAKH EXEMPTED FROM FILING INCOME TAX RETURN FOR ASSESSMENT YEAR 2011-12

New Delhi: Aashadh 02 , 1933

June 23, 2011

The Central Board of Direct Taxes has notified the scheme exempting salaried taxpayers with total income up to Rs.5 lakh from filing income tax return for assessment year 2011-12, which will be due on July 31, 2011.

Individuals having total income up to Rs.5,00,000 for FY 2010-11, after allowable deductions, consisting of salary from a single employer and interest income from deposits in a saving bank account up to Rs.10,000 are not required to file their income tax return. Such individuals must report their Permanent Account Number (PAN) and the entire income from bank interest to their employer, pay the entire tax by way of deduction of tax at source, and obtain a certificate of tax deduction in Form No.16.

Persons receiving salary from more than one employer, having income from sources other than salary and interest income from a savings bank account, or having refund claims shall not be covered under the scheme.

The scheme shall also not be applicable in cases wherein notices are issued for filing the income tax return under section 142(1) or section 148 or section 153A or section 153C of the Income Tax Act 1961.

IN the National Council Meeting it has been agreed to increase the BSNL GSLIS contribution from the present Rs. 105 to three times to Rs. 315 which will fetch an amount of Rs. Three lakh on death and Rs. 6 lakhs on accident death. The suggestion of the Staff Side was accepted by the management.

Now the management will have to negotiate with the LIC for finalising the new scheme. It is to be mentioned here that it was at the initiative of BSNLEU and in discussion with the LIC, the present Group Insurance Scheme, which is the biggest in the world, was finalised. The All India Insurance Employees Association also helped in the settlement. The present agreement with the management has been made to get more benefit to the workers.

Subject:- Level ‘A’ Training Programme at ISTM for UDCs with five years’ Approved service in the grade (04/07/2011 to 29/07/2011 ).

The undersigned is directed to inform that UDCs, whose particulars are given below, have been re-nominated for Level ‘A’ Training Programme which is beingconducted by ISTM w.e.f. 04/07/2011 to 29/07/2011.

2. As per DOP&T OM No.4/6/2010-CS.II dated 21/01/2011 and 4/2/2006-CS.II dated 20/06/2011 their adhoc promotion is subject to the condition that the adhoc promotion/appointment would be continued only if they attend and qualify the mandatory training as and when nominated by CS.I(Training) Section failing which their ad-hoc appointment would be terminated. In order to comply with the mandatory conditions for imparting training for holding higher responsibilities these officials are given another (*last) chance for the successful completion of the mandatory Level ‘A’ training programme.

3. The concerned authorities are therefore requested that the officials may be relieved of their duties without fail and advised to report to Smt. Namita Malik, Assistant Director, ISTM, Administrative Block, JNU Campus (Old), New Delhi at 9 AM. on 4th July, 2011. The performance of the officials in the training, as evaluated and reported by ISTM thereof, may be added in their APARs. As the training of the officials and successful completion is necessary for promotion/ regularization, the Cadre Units are requested to ensure that the officials nominated to the above programme are relieved in time. In case these officers are not relieved by the concerned Ministry/Department or any of them does not complete the training successfully, such non-attending of the training or not completing the training successfully would entail reversion to the post of UDC apart from any other action as deemed necessary.

4. As the aforesaid training includes study tour, officers nominated above may be advised to draw necessary TA/DA advance of Rs.12,000/- each from their respective Ministry/Department. This amount may be released in Cash only and the same shall be collected by ISTM from the participating officials.

5. Confirmation with regard to the participation of the officials along with their respective bio-data (Annexure-II) may please be sent by 29th June, 2011 to Smt.Namita Malik, Assistant Director (Co-ordinator), ISTM, New Delhi, with a copy to the undersigned. Smt. Namita Malik, Assistant Director(Co-ordinator) ISTM is accessible on phone No. 26185311 (O).

Sir,A query has been received from a field unit for payment of Diet Allowance to BSNL Employees.

2. As per this office order No.1-33/2008-PAT(BSNL)/Perks/3 dated 04-09-2009, Diet Allowance stand abolished w.e.f. 27-02-2009 in respect of Executives. Similarly, Food Allowance’ has also been discontinued in respect of Non-executives w.e.f. 7-05-2010 vide this office order No.1-16/2010-PAT(BSNL) dated 7-05-2010.

3. It is, therefore, requested to confirm whether payment of Diet Allowance/ Food Allowance have been discontinued to Executives w.e.f. 27-02-2009 and to Non- Executives w.e.f. 07-05-2010 as per this office orders dated 4-09-2009 and 7-05-2010 in your office.

The New Pension Scheme (NPS) offers subscribers the option of investing their funds in three types of schemes: Fund E, which invests a maximum of 50% in equity; Fund G, which invests in bonds of central and state governments, and Fund C, which invests in corporate bonds. Investors can also go for auto choice, in which allocation to the three asset classes is done automatically in a predefined proportion based on the investor's age.

To manage the contributions, subscribers can choose a fund manager from the six appointed by the PFRDA. Investors have the option to change their scheme choices, which could be related to either the allocation of funds among various asset classes or to the fund manager. The change in scheme preference has to be registered by submitting the request in the prescribed format.

Form: The change request form can be downloaded from tinyurl.com/3pvn3oh. It is also available at all registered points of presence service providers (POP-SP).

Information: The subscriber has to provide the folio number and name for identification. The type of account (Tier I or II), pension fund manager (PFM) and the investment choice should also be mentioned.

Documents: A copy of the PRAN card has to be submitted along with the application for making the change in preferences.

Submission: The form has to be submitted at the POP-SP through whom the subscriber is registered with the central record-keeping agency. A fee of `20 is charged for processing an application.

Points to note

Contributions: Currently, the rules allow a subscriber to make contributions in both Tier I and II accounts every financial year. Separate forms: If the subscriber has both Tier I and II accounts and changes have to be made in both, then separate forms have to submitted.

Tax implications: A switch from one fund to another implies redemption from one fund and investment in another. This may lead to gains or losses, which will have taxation implications.

Friday, June 24, 2011

The Government of Kerala has implemented a new programme for the public to contact all important officials through e-mail. The security features available with e-mail ensures an integrated and speedy communication with the officials. This project aims to transmute the present Government communication to another competent level.

Each mail account will have the facilities like calendar, address, file manager etc. This gives the general public a possibility of having communication round the clock with no interruption and delay. The project is designed and developed on open source software and the implementing agency is Centre for Development of Imaging Technology (C-DIT).

Subject: - Preparation of Common Seniority List of UDCs for the Select List year 2006 and calling of cadre seniority list for the Select List Years 2006 and 2007 - reg.

The undersigned is directed to say that Common Seniority List (CSL) of UDCs of CSCS for the select List Year 2006 is being finalized in terms of Rule 11(3) read with Regulation 2 of Third Schedule of CSCS Rules, 1962.

2. The Cadre units are requested to circulate the list among the officials concerned inviting objection/representation, if any, with regard to any factual inaccuracy and the order of placement in the list, which may be forwarded alongwith the comments of the cadre units to this Department for appropriate action. Cadre units are also requested to verify the correctness of the particulars such as date of birth. date of regular appointment to the grade, rank number (in the case of officials appointed on the basis of Limited Departmental Competitive Examination) etc., of the officials in the list. If any name has been left out inadvertently, it may be brought to the notice of this Department with relevant details. The draft CSL may be seen/ downloaded on the website of this Department i.e.

3. Cadre units are requested that factual inaccuracies/deficiencies, if any, in the Draft CSL of UDCs of CSCS for the year 2006 may be brought to the notice of this Department immediately not later than 9.7.2011. If nothing is heard from any cadre by 9.7.2011 it will be presumed that there is no factual inaccuracy in the CSL and it will be finalized accordingly. It is also requested that a copy of the latest Cadre Seniority List of UDCs for the Select List Years 2006 and 2007 may also be forwarded to this Department.

In continuation of this Department’s OM. No. 3/2/2008-CS-II dated 14th October, 2009, 25th November, 2009, 22nd December, 2009, 1st February, 2010, 30th June, 2010, 6th July, 2010, O.M. No. 3/2/2009-CS-II dated 8th July, 2010 and 23rd March, 2011, the undersigned is directed to say that it has been decided to nominate 39 more qualified candidates of Clerk’s Grade Examination (for Group ‘D’ staff) -2008 for appointment as LDCs in various cadres against 10% Quota vacancies in the Select List Year -2010 as per Annexure to this O.M. As per Establishment (Reservation)’s O.M. No. 36012/17/88-Estt.(SCT) dated 25/4/1989, the reservation criteria has been followed i.e. 15% (SC) & 7.5% (ST) and accordingly nomination of candidates have been made for the Select List Year-2010.

2. The dossiers of the candidates identified on the basis of their rank for consideration of appointment to the post of LDC are forwarded herewith and these should be retained on their appointment in the Ministry/Department as part of their personal files. The candidates mentioned in the Annexure have not been medically examined and as such, they should be got medically examined by the prescribed competent authority.

3. The cadre may first verify the eligibility of the candidate(s) including the condition that he/she belongs to an office participating in CSCS.

4. The candidates mentioned in the Annexure shall have to pass, if they have not already passed, one of the periodical type-writing tests in English or Hindi held by the Staff Selection Commission at a minimum speed of 30 words per minute in English or 25 words per minute in Hindi or Typewriting test at 25 words per minute in Hindi from Department of Official Language under the Hindi Teaching Scheme as provided in DOP&T O.M. No. 16/4/88-CS-II dated 29/5/1990 within a period of one year from the date of appointment, failing which no annual increments shall be allowed to them until they pass the said test. If they do not pass the said typewriting test within the period of probation, they shall be liable to be reverted to their substantive post. The candidates, who have been exempted /had already passed the Typewriting Test prior to their appointment, be granted the increment

as per relevant rules/instructions.

5. Offer of appointment may please be made to the candidates in the order of merit as indicated. Copies of offer of appointment issued to them may please be forwarded to this Department and also to the Staff Selection Commission. The date(s) of their joining of LDC may also be intimated to this Department as soon as possible under intimation to the Commission. If any of the candidate decline to accept the offer of appointment, the same may be cancelled and his/her dossier be returned directly to the Commission keeping copies of all correspondence made with the candidate(s), under intimation to this Department.

6. The persons when appointed may be given compulsory training (including basic computer skills) within one year of their joining the post in convenient batches as laid down in this Department’s O.M. No. 20/23/88-CS.II dated 13th March, 1989.

7. The seniority of these candidates are to be fixed in accordance with the sub paragraph(s) of Sub Rule 3 of Rule 17 under the Head II LD Grade of CSCS Rules, 1962.

9. Receipt of this O.M. together with its enclosures may please be acknowledged.

1. Vide Order 5th cited, daily wages in respect of Data Entry Operator was revised to `. 200/- and that, in respect of Computer Operator/Junior Programmer to `. 280/-. Consequent on the revision of the daily wages in respect of various categories such as Clerk, Typist, Chainman, Security Guard, Class IV, Workers in Govenment Presses, Driver and Pump Operator vide G.O 6th cited, Government felt it necessary to enhance the rate of wages of Data Entry Operator and Computer Operator/Junior Programmer also.

2. Accordingly after having examined the matter in detail, Government are pleased to revise the rate of daily wages in respect of the following categories with retrospective effect from 01/04/2011, as detailed below:

Thursday, June 23, 2011

The Central Board of Direct Taxes has notified the scheme exempting salaried taxpayers with total income up to Rs.5 lakh from filing income tax return for assessment year 2011-12, which will be due on July 31, 2011.

Individuals having total income up to Rs.5,00,000 for FY 2010-11, after allowable deductions, consisting of salary from a single employer and interest income from deposits in a saving bank account up to Rs.10,000 are not required to file their income tax return. Such individuals must report their Permanent Account Number (PAN) and the entire income from bank interest to their employer, pay the entire tax by way of deduction of tax at source, and obtain a certificate of tax deduction in Form No.16.

Persons receiving salary from more than one employer, having income from sources other than salary and interest income from a savings bank account, or having refund claims shall not be covered under the scheme.

The scheme shall also not be applicable in cases wherein notices are issued for filing the income tax return under section 142(1) or section 148 or section 153A or section 153C of the Income Tax Act 1961.

The undersigned is directed to refer to this Department O.M.of even number dated 29.03.2011 on the subject mentioned above (available on DoPT web-site www.persmin.nic.in > Central Services Wing > CS Division > CSS Rotation Transfer > US) and subsequent reminder dated 25.05.2011 and to say that the requisite information has not been received yet despite a lapse of nearly three months. It is, therefore, once again requested to furnish the requisite information to this Department urgently.